Protein analyses using differential ion mobility microchips with mass spectrometry

Anal Chem. 2012 Sep 4;84(17):7297-300. doi: 10.1021/ac3018636. Epub 2012 Aug 13.

Abstract

Differential ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) integrated with mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful new tool for biological and environmental analyses. Large proteins occupy regions of FAIMS spectra distinct from peptides, lipids, or other medium-size biomolecules, likely because strong electric fields align huge dipoles common to macroions. Here we confirm this phenomenon in separations of proteins at extreme fields using FAIMS chips coupled to MS and demonstrate their use to detect even minor amounts of large proteins in complex matrixes of smaller proteins and peptides.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Mass Spectrometry*
  • Proteins / analysis*
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine / analysis
  • Ubiquitin / analysis

Substances

  • Ions
  • Proteins
  • Ubiquitin
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine